Helen P. Copeland

Helen P. Copeland, 93, of Wapakoneta, died 8:40 p.m., Wed. Feb. 15, 2012, at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 21, 1918, in Allen Co., OH, the daughter of Don & Velma (Severns) Hardin, who preceded her in death. On April 27, 1945, she married Richard R. Copeland, and he died March 14, 2001. Survivors include, 3 children, Larry (Mary) Copeland, Wapakoneta, Jane (Roger) Kline, Ashville, OH, Karen (Bill) Copeland Simons, Columbus, OH, 6 grandchildren, Scott (Kara) Copeland, Kimberly (Greg) Bader, Bradley Copeland, Stacy (Brian) Herrel, Carrie (Steve) Kline Moore, Jeffrey Kline & fiancée Kim Wheeler, 5 step-grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren & 8 step-great grandchildren, 3 brothers, Donald (Mary Ann) Hardin, Mitchell, IN, Russell (Delores) Hardin, Lima, Harold (Joyce) Hardin, Columbus, OH, many loving nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Joan Copeland and a sister, Irene Trout. Helen was a 1935 graduate of Shawnee High School and a 1943 graduate of Ohio Northern University with a B.S. degree in Education. She taught for 28 years at several local schools retiring from United Local Elementary School in 1978, where she had worked for 12 years. She was a long time member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church. She was also a life member and former president of the Auglaize Co. Retired Teachers Assn., and a life member of the Ohio Retired Teachers Assn. An organizing member of the Susanna Russell Chapter of the D.A.R., she was a member of the Farm Bureau, the Wapakoneta Woman’s Club, the Auglaize Co. Cancer Board, and the Auglaize Co. Homemaker’s Club. She volunteered for 29 years at Lima Memorial Health System. Helen worked with her husband Richard on the farm and was active in her church. She enjoyed traveling, but most especially enjoyed spending time with her children & grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Mon. Feb. 20, 2012, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Michael Westbay officiating. Burial is to follow in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Gutman, OH. The family will receive friends 2-6 p.m., Sun. and 9:30 a.m. until time of service Mon. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church.

Helen P. Copeland

November 21, 1918 - February 15, 2012